Tax credit for emergency responders

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KNSI) Across Minnesota, it's becoming increasingly harder to get men and women to serve as volunteer firefighters.

DFL Representative Shannon Savick of Wells is sponsoring a bill that would provide a bit more incentive to those willing to help their communities.

The bill would provide a $500 tax credit to volunteer firefighters, ambulance attendants or emergency medical responders. Individuals would need to have served at least one calendar year to be eligible. It was approved Tuesday by the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee and sent to the House Taxes Committee.

Its companion bill--sponsored by Senator Lyle Koenen of Clara City--awaits action by the Senate Taxes Committee.